Pugmire steps down from USU post

Nearly two months after being placed on administrative leave after being arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, Rance Pugmire resigned Friday as the athletic director at Utah State University.

"We accomplished a lot and overcome some difficult challenges in the past nine-plus years, and USU has provided me a great opportunity to advance my career," Pugmire said in a university news release.

"But to finish what we've started, especially in the areas of growing the budget and improving facilities, it's best we part ways at this time."

During his tenure, the Aggies joined the Sun Belt Conference in football and in November 2003, Utah State, along with New Mexico State University, was accepted into the Western Athletic Conference and will begin play in all sports in 2005.

"USU and Cache Valley are special, and I want them to stay that way," Pugmire said.

President Kermit L. Hall accepted Pugmire's resignation.

"I do so with the best interest of Utah State University in mind," Hall said in the release. "Rance has made a significant contribution and clearly has the potential to play a role in the administration of intercollegiate athletics.

"Nevertheless, we hold persons in such positions to a high standard — one that earns the respect of and provides the leadership for our coaches and athletes, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and in that regard, I support Mr. Pugmire's decision to step down."

Pugmire was placed on paid administrative leave on Feb. 19, days after rolling his SUV on I-15 near Willard. He was not injured in the accident. His pretrial hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday in Box Elder County.

Fred H. Hunsaker, retired vice president of administrative services, was appointed the interim athletic director last month, and he will continue with the duties until a replacement in found.

"I am grateful that Fred has been willing to step in at this critical moment in the history of intercollegiate athletics at Utah State," Hall said.

Hall said a national search will be conducted to find Pugmire's replacement.

Pugmire joined Utah State in 1995 as the assistant athletic director for development and media relations. In 1999, he was named athletic director, replacing Bruce Van De Velde.

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